Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
“What are we having to eat?” she asked.
“I made some cheesy noodles. I think you’ll love them.”
“Let’s go eat,” Coco said, bouncing on her toes.
Roman dished up a large bowl of his concoction. “Come sit on Daddy’s lap at the table and we’ll try out this new dish.”
He lifted her onto his thighs and tucked a napkin in her neckline. “I think we need to get you some bibs.”
“I’m not eating that, Daddy. Look at all that stuff in there.”
“You’ll hurt my feelings if you don’t try it. Three bites.”
“No way. What is that green stuff? Spinach? Do you have any noodles without the vegetables in it?” she asked, stretching tall to check out the stove for another pot.
“Three bites, Coco.” Slowly, he’d added hints of vegetables to her food. Dr. Richards had given him a list of high-iron foods to supplement her diet.
Roman took the first bite and hummed his approval of the dish. It really was quite spectacular. He had added much more cheese than he would have used in the past to enhance the flavor, hoping it would disguise the healthy additions. “I’d eat this every day.”
His Little girl looked very skeptical. “But there’s green stuff, Daddy.”
“Try it for me, Coco.” He scooped up a couple of noodles.
Reluctantly, Coco opened her mouth a small amount. Before she could change her mind, Roman swooped the bite inside. He watched Coco close her mouth and wrinkle her nose. Slowly, that expression faded as she chewed. She tilted her head as if she were considering the flavor.
Roman took another big bite, hoping to create some urgency for her as he made a dent in the contents. “Mmmm.”
“Don’t eat it all, Daddy!”
Score! She likes it.
“Try another bite, Little girl.” This time he gave her a normal-sized bite. She leaned forward to meet the fork eagerly and chewed, squirming with happiness on his lap. “Not too bad?”
“I get three bites to decide, Daddy,” she told him with a giggle and opened her mouth.
“You do,” he agreed, tickled by her sweet Little side. “I think Daddy should charge a kiss tax.”
“A kiss tax?” she said, watching him collect another bite for her.
“Three bites for Coco, and Daddy gets a kiss.”
She pursed her lips as if debating the suggestion. With a heavy sigh, Coco agreed, “Fine. I’ll kiss you.” She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.
Roman loved the delicious taste on her lips. He deepened her light kiss, cradling the back of her head with his hand. They were both breathing hard when he lifted his head. “I think you are my favorite dish.”
“Daddy! That’s silly. I’m a Little girl. Not food.”
He waggled his eyebrows at her comically before continuing to feed her. Spending time with his Little girl was better than anything he’d ever done.
“Coco? Are you ready to move into your nursery permanently? We could grab anything left at your place this weekend.”
She froze for a minute and then nodded. “I don’t want to go back to my room. I need to give my landlady two-weeks’ notice.”
“We’ll go tomorrow and pack your things. Do you have furniture?”
“No, Daddy. Just my clothes and a few possessions. I’m not really a stuff person. It’s just been me and Zelda for a long time.”
“And now, Daddy and Muffin,” Roman suggested.
“Thank you for Muffin, Daddy. You are awfully good to me.” She waved a hand over their meal.
“Taking care of you makes me happy, Coco. I hope you know I love you, Little girl.”
“You love me?” she asked. Tears welled in her eyes, making her eyes glimmer like blue sapphires.
“I love you more than I thought possible.”
“I love you, too, Daddy.” She threw herself against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Hugging him tight, she pressed kisses over his neck and shoulder. “I’m so lucky.”
“Let me see you, sweetheart,” Roman ordered sternly. He leaned back, wiping her tears away. “I think we’re both lucky. I think we owe PLAYTIME an excellent review, don’t you?”
“Could we have Isabella and Sofia over with their Daddy, Noah, for dinner?” Coco suggested. “You could make this again.”
“Want to invite Zoey and Dr. Richards as well?” Roman suggested.
“I’d love to see Zoey again. He’ll come as Zoey’s Daddy and not my doctor, right?”
“Dr. Richards will be off doctor duty unless someone gets hurt. Then I’m sure he would step in to help.”
“Then I guess it will be okay.”
Roman kissed her lips lightly and then gestured at the empty bowl. “Should I get more noodles?”
“Yes!” she cheered, raising her arms over her head as if she were cheering.
Roman smiled as he dodged. Life with Coco was amazing. I’m a very lucky Daddy.
CHAPTER 16
Muffin thrived in her new home. Of course, the puppy imprinted on Coco and was most content when close to her. Roman was a close second in her affection as well as anyone else who happened to have a bottle when Muffin was hungry. Her tummy bulge was adorable as well as all the different sleeping poses she contorted herself into.